US ambassador pledges to keep relationship with UK strong

The new US ambassador to Britain today vowed to “explore new ways” to strengthen the special relationship as he arrived in London.

Matthew Barzun also said that America and the UK had to show “inclusive and innovative leadership” in the face of challenges that included the worst recession for generations and conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East.

Mr Barzun was sworn into office last week in Washington by Secretary of State John Kerry after a confirmation hearing before the US Senate.

After arriving in Britain today, he said: “The alliance between the US and UK is as strong as ever.

“But every living, breathing relationship requires work, and I’m excited to explore new ways to strengthen the bonds between our governments and our people, from scholars and scientists to exchange students and entrepreneurs.

“A diverse, interdependent world looks to the US and the UK for inclusive, innovative leadership, a responsibility I look forward to helping us fulfil.”

Internet entrepreneur Mr Barzun, 42, served as US ambassador to Sweden from 2009 to 2011 and chaired President Barack Obama’s national finance initiative for his 2012 re-election campaign.

His wife Brooke is an art curator and philanthropist and heiress to the Jack Daniel’s whiskey empire.

The Barzuns, who have three children, will live in the stately Winfield House in Regent’s Park.

Mr Barzun, who succeeds ambassador Louis Susman, is a descendant of the English Puritan lawyer John Winthrop, who led the first large group of migrants from England to America in 1630.